BROWSE

Bob Ackles Obituary

SURREY, British Columbia (AP) — Bob Ackles, the one-time B.C. Lions water boy who became the Canadian Football League team's president and chief executive officer, has died following a heart attack. He was 69.

"It was our league that virtually adopted him when he was just a boy, and it's our league that has looked to him as a man for counsel, inspiration and leadership by example," CFL commissioner Mark Cohon said after Ackles died Sunday.

Besides his years with the Lions, Ackles worked in the NFL with Dallas, Arizona, Philadelphia and Miami. He also was the vice president and general manager of the Las Vegas Outlaws of the XFL.

He is a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and the BC Sports Hall of Fame. One of his sons is the president of the Calgary Stampeders.

SURREY, British Columbia (AP) — Bob Ackles, the one-time B.C. Lions water boy who became the Canadian Football League team's president and chief executive officer, has died following a heart attack. He was 69.

"It was our league that virtually adopted him when he was just a boy, and it's our league that has looked to him as a man for counsel, inspiration and leadership by example," CFL commissioner Mark Cohon said after Ackles died Sunday.

Besides his years with the Lions, Ackles worked in the NFL with Dallas, Arizona, Philadelphia and Miami. He also was the vice president and general manager of the Las Vegas Outlaws of the XFL.

He is a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and the BC Sports Hall of Fame. One of his sons is the president of the Calgary Stampeders.

Guest Book Highlights

"I am very sorry for the loss of your loved ones. May the God of all comfort, comfort you during this difficult time. ( Psalm 83 : 18 )"- Yvonne Eddings (North Charleston, SC)

"To honour the memory of Bob Ackles a donation has been received at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. & Yukon from Frank Griffiths of Griffiths Entertainment, West Vancouver, BC. The Heart and Stroke Foundation extends our sincerest..."- Frank Griffiths (West Vancouver, BC)

"I am sorry to hear of your loss. Bob Ackles was one of the finest guy's I have ever known. He treated everyone with respect. In the dog eat dog world of the NFL it was nice to see someone that truly had compassion for his fellow man and Bob did."- Jim Dodson (Dallas, TX)

"Whether it was in Vancouver, Regina, or any other CFL city, interviewing Bob was like visiting with a long-time friend. I'm going to miss him and so are my compatriots in the Football Reporters of Canada."- Darrell Davis (Regina, SK)

"Thanks for everything, Bob. You were a man amongst your peers."- William Allen (Cowtown, AB)